Finish Selection Guide

Color Options

To see some of our color options, click HERE.
We can match any color sample you send to us.

Metal Finishes

Electroplating
(Galvanic plating,
rack & barrel electroplating)

Function: Applies a layer of metal to the partAdvantage: Cost, strong adhesionFinishes: To see some of our finish options click HERE
(last two rows).Metals: Steel, brass or zincCoating material: nickel, brass, gold, silver, tin, or copperProcess: Galvanic plating is the process of applying a protective non-corrosive metal coating to the part in order to prevent rusting and also (optionally) provide an aesthetic shield.
In
Rack Electroplating, the parts are individually hung from a rack, then each rack is dipped into a solution of metal to be bonded. Rack Electroplating is used for a high-quality finish.
In
Barrel Electroplating, the parts are placed in bulk in a barrel which rotates as the electroplating takes place. Barrel Electroplating provides a more commercial grade finish.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)

Function: Applies precision thin-film material finishesAdvantage: High Quality, DurabilityMetals: Steel, brass or zincCoating material: VariousProcess: The coating material is vaporized in a vacuum; the atomic vapor condenses onto the part leaving a thin and uniform surface.

Clear Coats & Colors

Anodizing

Function: Applies bright colors to aluminum partsAdvantage: Increases resistance to corrosion and wearMetals: AluminumCoating material: Chemical dyeProcess: The surface of the aluminum is coated by electrolysis with a colored chemical dye, which bonds to the surface.

Dip and spin

Function: Applies clear coatAdvantage: Corrosion resistanceMetals: All metalsCoating material: lacquer (nitro-cellulose, polyester, or polyurethane)Process: Parts are immersed in a barrel holding the coating material. The barrel is then spun to complete the process and remove excess coating.

Function: Almost invisible clear coat which is very thin, very clear, and very durable.Advantage: Corrosion resistance and superior aesthetic clarityMetals: All metalsCoating material: Metallic-based lacquer or paint Process: E-coating uses electrolysis to apply lacquer or paint. After electrolysis, the parts are baked for curing.

Electrostatic
powder
coating

Function: Thick, hard finish tougher than conventional paint.Advantage: Aesthetics, durability and corrosion resistance.Metals: All metalsCoating material: Plastic (acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, others)Process: Parts are individually racked and electrically positive-charged. The negative-charged powder sticks to the part by static electricity. The rack is then placed in an oven until the powder is baked on.

Painting
(barrel & spray)

Function: Applying color and decorative finishes.Advantage: Unlimited colors offered by paint and lacquerColors: To see some of our color options click HERE. We can match any color sample you send to us.
Metals: All metalsCoating material: Clear coat (lacquer), paint (enamel), epoxyProcess:Spray painting - individual parts are suspended from a rack or put on a tray before the paint is sprayed
Spray painting provides smooth, blemish-free finish. Barrel Painting - Multiple parts are inserted into a container which is rotated as the paint is sprayed.
Barrel painting is available at a lower cost.

Plastic coating
(minicoating)

Function: Applies a plastic coatingAdvantage: More durable than paint; consistent quality and thickness of coating; very good corrosion resistanceMetals: steel, brass aluminum, and stainless steelCoating material: nylon, acrylic and epoxiesProcess: Plastic powder is applied to the parts, which are heated to melt the powder.